Christmas Markets, Home & Abroad

Wed, 15 Nov 2017

Yes, the season is upon us and we are all gearing up for a great Christmas! To get yourself in the festive mood Christmas Markets are the “go to” place as they offer seasonal treats, sweets and of course gifts! There are plenty in Ireland to see, but if you want to travel further afield Europe offers some great Christmas Markets too. Here is everything you need to know about Christmas Markets.

This market attracts over 600,000 people every year and it sits in the heart of the Galway city making it a highlight of the Christmas season. There is lots of entertainment with choirs, amusements and the big man himself; Santa! As over 50 traders set up stalls this market offers a good array of crafts, treats and Christmas gift ideas. The areas atmosphere is euphoric and bustling making this an ideal Christmas Market for those who like to feel entertained.

Running for only a short time, this Christmas Market is indoors but this doesn’t make it any less good! Full of choice you will find many stalls here ranging from handmade gifts to collectables and of course foodie treats! It is an ideal market for those who want to support local and independent retailers.

The merry Christmas Market on the Metals will be open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday with a feast for the senses featuring delicious festive fare, handcrafted gifts and decorations, a funfair with an old-world children’s carousel and a whole host of very special tempting treats.

There is quite a lot going on in Cork who are pulling out all the stops to bring festive spirit to the streets of Cork! With Santa’s Workshop, food markets and festive entertainment, this will be full of Christmas atmosphere and cheer. A giant Ferris wheel is promised too!

The grounds of Belfast City Hall will be transformed into a continental village full of European treats including nougat, chocolate and tarts! It promises to be a festive masterpiece with gorgeous decorations, tasty food and beautiful aromas sifting through the cold air.

This market is considered the most well-known market in Budapest, though there are more to visit. However, Vorosmarty Square is spectacular and as it sits in the heart of the city it is easy to look around the whole area. Not as commercial as some markets this Christmas Market sticks to its traditions and is not as glitzy or glamourous as some Christmas Markets. This only adds to its charm and if you like nostalgia this is the place for you. Offering cinnamon pastries, potato dumplings, grilled vegetables and mulled wine you will be spoilt for choice. Entertainment is common place here and there are many concerts featuring an array of music genres from folk to jazz to indie.

Heidelberg’s Christmas Market extends to over five historic and stunning market squares. With over 140 individual stalls spread over the five locations it is easy to see why Heidelberg’s Christmas Market is considered a “must” among Christmas Market goers. In terms of beauty the area is gorgeous and leisurely walks around the area along with the popular attraction “Christmas on Ice” is vital in soaking up the wonderful atmosphere. There is plenty to do and see with ornaments, decorations, handmade gifts, and a Christmas carousel. For those who love food there is everything here you could hope for; roasted almonds, mulled wine, freshly made crepes and gingerbreads.

Every year, the city centre of Cologne is touched by the magic of the festivities in the run-up to Christmas. When the Christmas markets in Cologne open their gates on the last Monday before Advent, millions of visitors from around the world delight at the goods on sale at the quaintly designed hutsPrague on Old Town Square- Christmas Markets are a key ingredient of the festive magic in the Czech Republic and they are in fairness, most impressive. Lighting up the city for miles to see, they go all out in inspiring seasonal goodwill and euphoria. The architecture alone is a major plus point and there are many places to eat and drink with friends and family. For kids, there is animals to stroke but most remarkable is their Christmas tree which is huge and draped in stunning lights. For those who like foodie treats there are sausages, ham, cakes and pastries to eat and plenty of mulled wine or indeed, the incredibly famous Czech beers. – Check out Melanie May’s review of top spots to visit here